The pier was closed in 2006 and 2007 due to structural decay, and was due to be restored after the council had completed a compulsory purchase order.

On 5th October 2010, the pier was set alight by arsonists destroying most of the buildings. This was just hours after a competition was opened to redesign the pier. Despite taking four days to put out, the pier itself was said to be structurally sound, and the competition was still run, with a firm chosen.

In November 2012 a £11.4million lottery grant was awarded towards the pier rebuild. The total cost is only estimated at £13.9 million as the accommodation will be signicantly smaller than its original form.